Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Tuesday, April 14
10:47 p.m. | April 14, 2020
130 Deaths Statewide, Including 13 In Nevada
The State of Nevada is reporting 130 deaths from COVID-19 statewide and more than 3,000 positive cases. More than 32,000 tests have been performed.
In Washoe County, health officials reported Tuesday that another resident has died from COVID-19, bringing the death toll there to 13. The patient was a woman in her 50s with underlying health conditions.
Officials also reported 32 additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County. The total number of cases now stands at 532, with 92 recoveries.
The Quad-County Emergency Operations Center is reporting six new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Quad County region. The new cases include one in Lyon County, two in Carson City, and three in Douglas County. This brings the total number of cases there to 49, with 11 recoveries.
The cases are self-isolating in their homes and are in stable condition
Unemployment In Nevada Soars
By Noah Glick
The number of initial unemployment claims in Nevada has reached nearly nine times the level seen at the height of the Great Recession.
During a press conference Tuesday night, Governor Steve Sisolak said the state’s unemployment system isn’t equipped to handle the number of claims being submitted.
“During the good times, no one can ever imagine it being bad again. Certainly not as bad as this. As a result, attempts to upgrade the unemployment insurance system or increase staffing, or even maintain staffing levels, were not approved in past legislative sessions.”
The governor says over the last 30 days, 300,000 Nevadans have applied for unemployment, about 10% of the state’s population.
To help alleviate the strain, Sisolak says the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation has tripled its staff, and will soon add an additional 100 call center workers.
Additionally, officials are requesting that people submit claims based on their last name. A-K files on Sunday, L-R on Monday, S-Z on Tuesday, and anybody can submit claims Wednesday-Saturday.
Sisolak Activates More Nevada National Guard Members
Story from the Associated Press
Governor Steve Sisolak is activating 700 more Nevada National Guard members to help respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
State officials say the additional personnel will join 106 others called up last week to manage donations and supply distribution operations in Las Vegas and Reno. They will also help to set up alternative hospitals and help tribal communities.
The Guard activation is the largest in the state history. Most will report for duty in Las Vegas, where most of Nevada's COVID-19 cases and deaths have occurred.
Schieve Says Reno’s Peak COVID-19 Activity Projected For May
By Bree Zender
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve says that the city’s peak of COVID-19 cases is projected to come in the second week of May.
Schieve says the city originally projected a peak near the final weekend in April, but that’s flexible based on how diligent Reno residents are.
“But people need to understand that those dates change based on how many people are staying at home [and] is everyone practicing social distancing,” she says.
In terms of easing these restrictions eventually, Schieve says that timeline isn’t clear at the moment.
“It’s going to be a process, so we’re going to go from red, yellow, to green. It’s not going to be red to green. We’re not going to switch on this light switch and everything is going to be back to normal,” Schieve explains.
In the meantime, the city has been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prepare the Reno-Sparks Convention Center as an alternative site for hospital patients.
Nevada Democrats Are Concerned About Primary Process
Story by the Associated Press
Nevada Democrats say the state's plan to conduct its June primary almost entirely by mail because of the coronavirus could make it difficult for people to vote or have their ballots counted unless the secretary of state makes some changes.
Lawyers for the party sent a letter seeking changes to rules or proposals for the June 9 election.
That includes removing requirements to match voter signatures and requesting ballots be sent to all registered voters.
The Secretary of State's Office declined to comment on the letter, saying it was still reviewing it.
Nevada Will Receive Federal Funds For Rural Transit
Nevada will receive nearly $22 million in rural transit funding as part of the coronavirus stimulus or CARES Act.
The Nevada Department of Transportation will disperse the money. It has notified 17 recipients that all operating and maintenance expenses incurred from March 1 through the end of the federal fiscal year will be reimbursed 100% through federal funds.
Nevada’s rural transit operators provide essential services for the disabled, the elderly, and those needing transportation to and from employment or medical treatment.
The money can be used for buses and other vehicles, modifications to facilities, and mobility management programs.
Nevada Will Get Less Money Per Capita Than Smaller States From COVID-19 Stimulus Bill
3:00 p.m. | April 14, 2020
By Anh Gray
The $2 trillion novel coronavirus stimulus bill was passed by Congress in late March. According to a study, some of that money has been divided inequitable.
The stimulus money is intended to boost the economy and funds will be dispersed to individuals, small and big businesses, and state and local governments.
Innerbody Research reviewedthe more than 800-page CARES Act to break down how money was distributed across states. The study found that each state will be receiving a minimum of $1.25 billion in aid for COVID-19 relief efforts. Even though some states will get more federal funding overall, allocation favors states with a smaller population.
“I wouldn't necessarily consider that equitable exactly,” said Eric Rodgriguez of Innerbody Research. “And no doubt that this has, kind of its roots in our Federalist system and our electoral college where you got these, these powerful lawmakers from these small States.”
Rodriguez said New York, for example, is a populous state hit hard by COVID-19, and it will receive $388 per person. Wyoming, on the other hand, will receive the most per capita, a little more than $2,000, because of its smaller population. Nevada will be receiving about $400 per capita. Rodriguez said the distribution does not take into account the specific needs of each state.
“The way they did it right now, I think definitely has its flaws,” Rodriguez explained. “I do not think that the funds that they're allocating now are going to be nearly enough, at the local level.”
Innerbody Research also found that Nevada is ranked the 6th most vulnerable state in the nation in a COVID-19 pandemic. That ranking is based on various data, including the state’s emergency preparedness and the number of high-risk individuals living in the state.
This update was provided with support from the Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Project for Visualizing Science at the Reynolds School of Journalism.
Novel Coronavirus In Nevada Updates: Monday, April 13
8:27 p.m. | April 13, 2020
By Stephanie Serrano
Washoe County Has 500 Identified COVID-19 Cases; Nevada Reports 120 Deaths
The Washoe County Health District is reporting 39 new COVID-19 identified cases, bringing the total number of cases there to 500. Currently, there are 12 coronavirus-related deaths in Washoe, 31 hospitalizations and 39 people who have been discharged from the hospital.
Health officials said there are 417 active COVID-19 cases and 53% of Washoe County hospital acute beds are being utilized, while 20% of ventilators are being used.
On Monday, health officials collected 215 COVID-19 samples from a drive-thru site.
Statewide, health officials are reporting that 120 people have died from the illness and nearly 3,000 people have tested positive.
Renown To Provide Medical Director For Alternative Care Site
Washoe County Health District Officer Kevin Dick said Renown Regional Medical Center is providing a medical director for the alternative care site at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. The facility is set to open in a couple of weeks. Officials said they are working with federal resources to find medical volunteers for the new facility.
The care site will house patients who are moving away from acute care. The purpose is to help alleviate space within the hospital to provide attention to those who need more care.
As a note of disclosure, Renown Health provides financial support to KUNR.
Nevada To Receive $1.25 Billion From The Coronavirus Relief Fund
Nevada will receive $1.25 billion from the Department of Treasury from the CARES Act, a $150 billion coronavirus relief fund.
The state is responsible for using the funds to pay for expenses that were not accounted for in the state’s most recently approved budget. The funds will also cover expenses that were incurred between March and December 30, 2020.
The Treasury will allow the states to have access to half of their allocated funds immediately. The remaining balance will be paid no later than April 24.
Las Vegas Opens Homeless Shelter For COVID-19 Patients
Story By The Associated Press
A pop-up tent complex is opening in Las Vegas to provide temporary shelter, monitoring and treatment for up to 500 homeless novel coronavirus patients. The individuals are in need of quarantine or isolation but not hospitalization. The $6 million project, resembling an Army field hospital, was declared ready Monday after two weeks of construction at downtown's Cashman Center. Officials say the tent complex isn't a walk-up homeless shelter, but a place for ambulance deliveries of people who've been exposed, have symptoms or are confirmed to have the COVID-19 respiratory illness.
California Governor Gavin Newsom Says He’ll Announce A Plan For Lifting COVID-19 Restrictions
Story By The Associated Press
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he will announce a detailed plan for lifting coronavirus restrictions Tuesday. Newsom said the decision will be made without "political pressure." It was an apparent message to President Donald Trump, who has declared himself the ultimate decision-maker of when states can reopen. Newsom stressed the state's continued partnership with the federal government, but he said he is working with governors in Washington and Oregon on a plan to gradually lift the stay-at-home orders that have closed schools and nonessential businesses for more than a month.
California Insurance Commissioner Orders Some Companies To Refund Premiums
Story By The Associated Press
California's insurance commissioner has ordered some companies to refund premiums for March and April because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The order includes insurance premiums paid for workers compensation, medical malpractice and private and commercial auto policies. Insurance companies set rates based on risk, but risk has changed for auto insurance because of the pandemic. Fewer cars are on the road and that reduces collisions. Officials say the order will put money back in people's pockets when they need it most. The order could be extended if closures continue. A representative from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association has not yet responded to the order.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Sunday, April 12
10:45 p.m. | April 12, 2020
By Bree Zender
COVID-19 cases rise in Nevada; Washoe reports 12th death
COVID-19 cases in Nevada have topped 2,800 cases, according to state figures. 114 of those people have died from complications from the disease.
Washoe County reported another death, a man in his 90s, bringing the county total to 12. It’s unknown if the man had any underlying health conditions. Washoe also reported 46 new positive cases. As of Sunday, the county had 388 active cases, 61 recoveries, and 30 current hospitalizations.
Renown Health asks public to donate handmade face masks, gowns and surgical caps
These items are intended to be worn by visiting family and friends of patients. The hospital is providing specific patterns for the gear.
As a note of disclosure, Renown Health is a financial supporter of KUNR.
Mono County confirms first positive case outside of Mammoth Lakes area
Editor's note: The original subhead for this update was incorrect and has been updated.
In the Eastern Sierra, Mono County officials reported two additional positive cases Sunday. One is in the Mammoth Lakes area. The other is in the northern part of the county and is the first case in Mono that's not in the Mammoth Lakes area. Health officials there are asking residents to call the 2-1-1 Mono County Nurse Hotline if they are experiencing illness to discuss the possibility of COVID-19. That hotline can also be reached at (760) 924-1830.
In Mono County, there are now 23 positive cases and one person there has died.
Immigrants excluded from federal relief package
Story from the Associated Press
The relief package that Congress approved to help Americans during the coronavirus pandemic has one major exclusion: millions of immigrants who do not have legal status in the U.S. but work here and pay taxes.
Many say they pay federal taxes because they hope it will one day help them achieve legal residency and because it's the right thing to do. Also left out are the workers' 3.5 million children, many of whom are American citizens.
President Donald Trump says many citizens without work need help first. Democrats have introduced legislation to give immigrants access to relief funds.
Regional Novel Coronavirus Updates: Saturday, April 11
7:19 p.m. | April 11, 2020
By Bree Zender
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers assesses possible hospital expansion sites in Nevada
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers said it has surveyed several sites earlier this month in Reno, Carson City and Las Vegas for possible hospital expansion, if needed, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The team inspected the sites for electrical and structural stability, as well as how much space there would be available.
The corps did not go into detail about the four smaller sites it assessed in Reno and Carson, but said the Las Vegas Convention Center “could hold up to 900 beds.”
Washoe County COVID-19 deaths rise To 11; Quad-County area reports 7 new cases
Of the 2,700 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Nevada, 111 of them have died, according to state data.
On Saturday, Washoe County reported that another county resident had died from COVID-19, bringing the total death count there to 11. Washoe has 415 positive cases. 345 of those cases are active.
The Quad-County Emergency Operations Center reported seven new positive cases Saturday. Three are in Lyon County and four are in Carson City. That area now has 29 active cases. The Quad-County area includes Carson City, along with Lyon, Douglas and Storey Counties.
Tracking novel coronavirus data in the state has been limited. Supplies to test patients have run short, according to local government officials, who say they are only testing patients who are showing symptoms.
Novel coronavirus did not delay property taxes in California
Story from the Associated Press
The coronavirus has delayed income taxes, mortgage payments and evictions in California. But not property taxes. Friday was the deadline to pay those taxes without incurring a hefty penalty and Gov. Gavin Newsom let the date pass without taking any action.
Business groups had urged a delay. They argued the same governments that ordered many businesses to close and forced millions out of their jobs should provide help on property taxes.
Local governments pushed back. Property tax payments are their largest source of revenue and only collected twice a year. The governments say they need the money because other revenue sources, including taxes on retail sales and hotel rooms, have dried up.
Novel Coronavirus In Nevada Updates: Friday, April 10
10:41 p.m. | April 10, 2020
By Bree Zender
Nevada COVID-19 deaths surpass 100
New numbers posted Friday evening show more than 2,500 positive cases of COVID-19 in Nevada. The state’s death toll jumped to 102.
In addition, Washoe County’s positive cases rose by 26 to a total of 389. Thirty of them are currently hospitalized. Ten county residents have died.
According to federal elected officials, it's expected that more than 2,500 health care providers and hospitals in Nevada will begin receiving more than $241 million in coronavirus response federal aid funding.
Washoe County short-term rental owners must tell out-of-state visitors to quarantine for 2 weeks
Owners of short-term rentals in the county will be required to tell out-of-state occupants to self-quarantine in the residence for 14 days, according to the Washoe County Health District.
The rental guests will only be allowed to leave in an emergency situation, County Health Officer Kevin Dick said.
“After that time period, those people remain subject to the governor’s directive of staying at home, and only leaving that short term rental for essential needs,” said Dick.
The district has been asking all out-of-state travelers to self quarantine for two weeks since early March.
Burning Man has been cancelled
Burning Man, the large, multicultural event in the Black Rock Desert, has been cancelled in an effort to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus--at least on the playa itself.
For 2020, organizers plan to "build Black Rock City in the Multiverse." In other words, they will host a virtual event.
Burning Man is following a long list of large events and sports seasons that have been cancelled due to the virus.
The organization is planning to offer refunds to burners who have already purchased a ticket.
Novel Coronavirus In Nevada Updates: Thursday, April 9
9:41 p.m. | April 9, 2020
By Paul Boger
Death Toll And Positive Case Update For Thursday
Health officials in Washoe County said the area's total number of deaths is 10.
In the latest round of numbers from the Regional Information Center, there are 37 additional COVID-19 cases in Washoe County, where 363 people have tested positive for the disease.
As for the Quad-Counties area, there are four more confirmed cases of COVID-19 — two each in Carson City and Lyon County.
Statewide, health officials are reporting more than 2,400 cases in Nevada. 86 people have died.
The Department of Health and Human Services said more than 26,000 tests have so far been administered across the state.
California Sees First Day Of Decline In ICU Hospitalizations
By The Associated Press
California has seen its first daily decrease in intensive care hospitalizations during the coronavirus outbreak. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the number of ICU placements declined by nearly two percent on Wednesday. He said the decline was encouraging but urged people not to read too much into it. Newsom also said California hospitals are using only about one-third of their ventilators and there are still roughly 8,000 ventilators available statewide. California has more than 20,000 cases and more than 500 deaths, according to an LA Times tracker.
Novel Coronavirus In Nevada Updates: Thursday, April 9
5:10 p.m. | April 9, 2020
By Paul Boger
COVID-19 Cases Continue To Climb
Health officials in Washoe County said two more people have died from complications related to COVID-19, bringing the area's total number of deaths to 10.
In the latest round of numbers from the Regional Information Center, there are 37 additional COVID-19 cases in Washoe County with 363 people having tested positive for the disease.
Statewide, health officials are reporting 2,400 cases in Nevada. The official number of deaths remains at 80.
The Department of Health and Human Services said nearly 22,000 tests have so far been administered across the state.
Local Official Calls Truckee A COVID-19 Hotspot
A Nevada County Supervisor is asking owners of second homes in the Truckee area to follow stay-at-home orders in their primary residences, away from Truckee.
On a Facebook post this week, Nevada County Supervisor Richard Anderson told residents the number of positive COVID-19 cases is already putting a strain on the area’s small hospital.
"Our models project that the number of people who will seek care here can easily exceed the number of hospital beds available," Anderson said. "Given how few beds there are in the North Tahoe-Truckee area this exceedance would likely happen sooner here than in the rest of Nevada County."
Anderson said as of Wednesday there were 34 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nevada County with 70% of them in the Truckee-Tahoe area.
According to its website, Truckee’s Tahoe Forest Hospital only has 25 acute care beds but can care for as many as 44 patients if at surge capacity.
Union Leaders Call For All Casinos To Pay Workers
Nevada's largest union is calling on casino operators across the country to pay workers through the shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to reporters on a press call, officials with the Culinary Union and its parent organization, Unite Here International, said casino companies that receive federal stimulus dollars should use the cash to pay workers first.
"The idea of the CARES Act and paycheck protection is to retain workers and allow them to continue to earn money and keep their benefits," said UNITE HERE International President D. Taylor. "The casinos have not stepped up, so far.
Taylor also argued that since casinos hold privileged licenses, the state can force the companies to pay their workers if they won’t choose to do so voluntarily.
In an op-ed published in the New York Post last week, Las Vegas Chairman Sheldon Adelson announced he would continue paying his company's employees until mid-May and implored other CEOs to do the same.
Meanwhile, Caesars Entertainment has furloughed roughly 90% of its workforce.
Polling Shows The Majority Of Nevadans Approve Of Sisolak’s Stay-At-Home Order
A majority of Nevadans said they support Governor Steve Sisolak's shelter-at-home order in response to COVID-19.
A poll, released by the Nevada Retail Association Thursday, asked more than 300 Nevadans their views on not only the pandemic but how it's also affected their shopping behaviors.
Nearly three-quarters of respondents said they support the decision to close nonessential businesses while about 17% said they're opposed.
Bryan Wachter oversees public and government affairs for the trade organization. He said the information could prove useful in finding ways to slowly restart the economy.
"If there is a way to increase the options for people social distancing, that may be a path forward and worth exploring and something that we want to continue to monitor," Wachter said.
The poll also found that more Nevadans are starting to see recent hard-to-find items back on the shelves, but there's still plenty of uncertainty when it comes to consumer confidence.
Nevada Unemployment Numbers Climb Amid Pandemic
By The Associated Press
Federal figures show that nearly 245,000 people in Nevada have filed for unemployment since casinos and other businesses closed in mid-March to keep people from congregating and spreading the new coronavirus. U.S. labor data posted Thursday tallied almost 80,000 new jobless filings last week in the state. Governor Steve Sisolak and Nevada labor officials have acknowledged the state jobless office was overwhelmed by the record 93,000 claims filed the week after the governor ordered nonessential businesses be closed. Another 71,400 Nevadans filed for unemployment two weeks ago.
Nevada Using Parts From Feds To Assemble COVID-19 Testing Kits
By The Associated Press
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak says the state has received some parts from the federal government to make more test kits for the coronavirus but it doesn't have anywhere near the supplies needed to test widely. Amid a nationwide shorting of test kits for the coronavirus, the U.S. government has told Nevada its three pending requests for more kits are on an "indefinite backlog." Sisolak says the U.S. government sent Nevada 3,000 kits-worth of the chemicals needed, as well as 4,000 swabs. The state is quickly assembling the test kits but more are needed.
Novel Coronavirus In Nevada Updates: Wednesday, April 8
8:05 p.m. | April 8, 2020
By Noah Glick
Sisolak Extends Nonessential Business Closures
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak announced a new emergency directive Wednesday that extends the types of businesses that must shut down due to COVID-19.
The new order outlaws any public gathering space of ten people or more. That includes all sporting venues, like golf courses and public swimming pools. But, the order also outlaws business showrooms, open houses, in-person religious services, and at-home barber or salon services.
“Our medical advisory team has informed us that it’s not just distance that matters, but also the amount of time an individual spends next to an infected person,” Sisolak said.
Sisolak said violators are subject to both civil and criminal penalties.
Additionally, the governor is requesting that funeral homes and other organizations aside from health districts report COVID-19-related deaths immediately, in hopes of creating a more accurate assessment of community spread and severity.
New Deaths, Cases of COVID-19 In Northern Nevada
On Wednesday, Washoe County announced three deaths due to COVID-19, bringing the county death toll to eight. There have been more than 300 cases in Washoe and 35 people have recovered.
Two new COVID-19 cases were also confirmed in the ‘Quad County’ region that spans Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties, and Carson City.
The cases include a male Carson City resident in his 30s and a female from Douglas County in her 30s.
That brings the total number of cases across the counties to 27, with nine recoveries up to this point.
Nevada Hospital Space Limited As COVID-19 Spreads
Nevada’s intensive care units are at 71% capacity, as of Wednesday evening, according to Gov. Steve Sisolak.
“And according to the Nevada Hospital Association, most of the ICU beds currently occupied are not, repeat are not, are not occupied by COVID-19 patients,” said Sisolak.
Additionally, the governor stated that acute care hospital beds are at 62% capacity, while 49% of Nevada’s ventilators are in use. That number does not include the 50 ventilators shipped from California this week.
The governor also stated that the state has distributed more than a million pieces of personal protective equipment, or PPE. Total numbers distributed as of Wednesday evening are as follows, according to Gov. Sisolak:
- 47,550 gowns
- 253,640 gloves
- 803 coveralls
- 715,701 N95 masks
- 314,500 surgical masks
- 46,848 shields
Nevada National Guard Receives First Shipment Of Ventilators
The Nevada National Guard said Wednesday that it received its first shipment of ventilators and is storing them in Sparks.
The shipment of 50 ventilators came from Sacramento, California.
The Guard will store the items until it receives direction from Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak.
Nevada Aims To Improve COVID-19 Death Tracking
COVID-19 numbers change quickly, and Nevada is trying to keep up.
In a press conference Wednesday, Gov. Steve Sisolak said the state’s current system updates COVID-19-related deaths as soon as they are reported to the state. He said that leads to spikes in the number of deaths reported on certain days, even though that’s not when they are necessarily happening.
“We’re working to correct that so you can get a more accurate depiction of when the deaths are actually occurring and we can use that to be a more effective modeling tool as well. The model is only as good as the assumptions you make from it and the data that’s put in,” Sisolak said.
Sisolak sent a directive from the state’s epidemiologist requiring that all morgues, funeral homes and other providers that record causes of death report any COVID-19-related deaths to both the local health district and the state immediately.
UNR President Search Halted
By The Associated Press
The state Board of Regents has abandoned plans to appoint an acting president at the University of Nevada, Reno while it searches for a permanent replacement for outgoing President Marc Johnson. The move comes after Johnson agreed to postpone his resignation until Dec. 31. Johnson announced late last year he planned to step down at the end of June and transition to the university’s faculty. Ex-Governor Brian Sandoval became a favorite for the job when he announced his candidacy April 1. The regents said earlier they planned to appoint an acting president to serve at least until September because Johnson couldn’t continue through the summer.
Medical Masks Stolen From Reno VA Hospital
By Danna O’Connor
A Reno man is being charged with stealing hundreds of surgical masks from the VA Medical Center.
35-year-old Peter Lucas was arrested Tuesday for allegedly stealing 200 surgical masks from a supply cart at the Reno hospital.
According to the complaint, surveillance cameras showed Lucas concealing boxes of surgical masks under his jacket and then leaving the hospital.
He is charged with the theft of health care property. If convicted, the maximum penalty is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
Novel Coronavirus In Nevada Updates: Wednesday, April 8
3:29 p.m. | April 8, 2020
By Noah Glick
Washoe County Announces Sixth, Seventh COVID-19 Death; Nevada Deaths Top 70
The state of Nevada is reporting more than 70 deaths as a result of COVID-19. The majority have been in Clark County, with seven in Washoe County.
The Health District said the sixth victim was a woman in her 60s with underlying health conditions. The seventh victim was a woman in her 80s. Officials are determining whether she had underlying health issues.
More than 2.300 Nevadans have contracted the disease, according to the latest numbers from the state.
Washoe County Hospitals Still Have Capacity
Washoe County Health District Officer Kevin Dick said the county’s hospitals are experiencing high capacity levels, but there is still room for additional patients — for now.
Dick said short-term acute care hospitals were at 62% capacity, while 53% of ICU rooms are occupied. Currently, 24% of the county’s ventilators are in use.
Dick said the district is working on plans to prepare for peak levels, expected around April 17, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Hospitals are looking at how to repurpose existing spaces for additional beds. Additionally, the health district is reviewing the state’s crisis standards of care, which will help health care workers best use limited resources for maximum benefit.
“These will guide difficult decision making that will be necessary if we end up with a situation where our surge levels exceed the capacity of our hospital system to provide the medical care that each individual needs,” said Dick.
Nevada Delegation Pushes For Updated Guidelines On Gaming Businesses
Nevada’s entire Congressional delegation sent a letter to the leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, urging them to update the recently launched Paycheck Protection Program, to include relief for businesses that have some gaming.
Nevada Democratic Congresswoman Susie Lee sent a letter to the heads of the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, urging them to update the recently launched Paycheck Protection Program, to include relief for businesses that have some gaming.
“We ask that you ensure that businesses with 500 or fewer employees that derive more than one-third of their annual revenues from legal gaming activities are made explicitly eligible for assistance under PPP,” the letter stated.
The move follows a similar move by Democratic Congresswoman Susie Lee, who sent a letter to the heads of the Small Business Administration and the Department of the Treasury.
In that letter, Lee, who represents Congressional District 3 in southern Nevada, said, “In Nevada, gaming is not confined to the multi-billion-dollar mega resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. Local restaurants and bars often rely on the revenue from a handful of video poker machines to make their businesses keep floating.”
The program’s current guidelines exclude gaming businesses.
Welfare Applications Set Up Around Region
The Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services is partnering with retailers to provide paper applications at several locations across Northern Nevada.
Officials are urging people who wish to apply for benefits to do so online if possible, but have announced paper locations can be found at the following locations:
- Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows
2680 E. 9th Street, Reno, NV 89512
Available Every Wednesday - Dollar General
3059 Highway 50 E., Carson City, NV 89701
101 E. Ambrose Lane, Dayton, NV 89403
1257 Pit Road, Gardnerville, NV 89410
5303 Sun Valley Blvd., Sun Valley, NV 89433
105 Jackdaw Lane, Washoe Valley, NV 89704
181 N. Main Street, Yerington, NV 89447
10695 Stead Blvd., Reno, NV 89506
1025 Highway 94, Hawthorne, NV 89415*
1105 Lake Ave., Silver Springs, NV 89429*
Available Every Wednesday
*Applications are available every other Wednesday - Yerington Food Bank
Yerington Food Pantry, 123 W. Bridge Street, Yerington, NV 89447
Available Every Other Wednesday - WinCo
2855 Northtowne Lane, Reno, NV 89512
9750 S. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89511
Available Every Wednesday
Tesla Furloughing Employees, Cutting Salaries
Tesla is cutting pay for salaried employees, and furloughing hourly workers. That’s according to an internal email obtained by CNBC.
Hourly workers will be without work and pay through May 4, when the carmaker hopes to resume production. The company said furloughed employees will keep their health care benefits.
The move comes as the company was forced to halt production of its electric vehicles in Fremont, California to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The changes take place on Monday, April 13.
Get Caught Up:
- April 7 | Nevada Updates
- Fifth COVID-19 Death Announced In Washoe Co.
- Quad Counties Reports Three New Positive Cases
- Local Tribes Receiving Housing Funds From Federal COVID-19 Aid
- NSHE Will Allow Students Facing Financial Hardships To Register For Upcoming Courses
- Nevada Lacking Critical Testing Kit Components
- Vehicle Emissions Are Down In Nevada, Arizona
For continued updates on the coronavirus in Nevada, visit our updates and resourcespage.
